Valuing the Economic Damage of the Dust Phenomenon on the Agricultural Sector (Case Study: Alborz Province, Iran)

In recent years, the phenomenon of dust has become one of the most important environmental challenges around the world, which is one of its negative effects on the agricultural sector. Dust on agriculture can affect the growth and performance of plants by affecting the photosynthesis process and also by increasing the leaf temperature, and by providing favorable conditions for the occurrence of diseases and disrupting the population balance of pests against beneficial and predatory insects and Also, the effect of reducing the efficiency of spraying plants against pests and diseases creates the grounds for causing damage and reducing production in various agricultural and horticultural products. The purpose of this research is to estimate the willingness to pay to reduce the effects of dust on the agricultural sector of the centers of dust production and its surrounding areas in Alborz province.

In order to achieve the goal of this research, first, according to the map of dust centers prepared in Alborz province, the affected villages were determined. Ahmedabad areas are affected by dust. Then, using the Contingent valuation method (CVM), the willingness of people to pay to prevent and reduce the negative effects of the dust phenomenon on the agricultural sector was calculated using 400 questionnaires. It should be noted that the number of questionnaires was determined by using the Cochrane relationship and the population of the villages affected by dust.

According to the results of this research, the correct percentage of the estimated willingness of farmers to pay in order to reduce dust damage is 73% in the derived model. Also, the amount of expected value (WTP) was calculated equal to 165423 rials (approximately equal to 5.5 dollars). According to the population of the affected area, the total value of preserving agricultural products against the phenomenon of dust is equal to 2743375032 rials ($9144.58) per year. The results showed that the variables of age, number of working people, education, income and environmental awareness index have a positive and significant effect on the willingness of farmers to pay to preserve agricultural products against dust. In other words, the increase in age, the number of working people in the family, the increase in the level of education, the increase in income and the increase in awareness of farmers increase their willingness to pay.

The evaluation of the willingness to pay of farmers in Alborz province in order to reduce the dust damage on the agricultural sector showed that increasing awareness, education and experience (age) increases the willingness of farmers to pay dust control costs. Therefore, it can be said that in order to control and stabilize the sources of dust production in Alborz province, the knowledge and awareness of farmers regarding the negative effects of dust on the agricultural sector should be increased by using advertising training classes and so on. As a result, the willingness to pay farmers will increase. Then, in the form of non-governmental organizations or cooperative projects with the government, he designed and implemented programs to control and stabilize dust production sources with the participation of farmers.